GETTING AROUND

If you know anything about the Netherlands, it probably will not suprise you that when it comes to transportation in Utrecht, cycling is by far the most popular option.

Cycling is the most common method of transport throughout the Netherlands, so much so that the number of bicycles outnumbers the amount of people! If you wish to cycle during your time in Utrecht, there are a few ways you can acquire a bike.

Buy or rent?

First, there are many places where you can rent a bike, including the train station. Through Swapfiets you can rent a bike for your entire stay, all for a monthly subscription fee. Another option is to buy a bicycle, either from a shop or online. Many international students sell their bicycles on Facebook when the time comes time to leave Utrecht, so Facebook Marketplace and groups are good places to start your search.

But remember to always be careful of scammers! Never pay upfront. It is also important to be careful not to buy a stolen bike. It goes without saying that if a stranger offers to sell a bike to you in the city at weird hours of the day or night, it is not advisable to buy it. Lastly, remember to buy a bicycle lock to prevent your bike from getting stolen, and to make sure your bike is equipped with a bell and lights, otherwise you run the risk of receiving a hefty a fine.

Alternatives

If biking is not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get around Utrecht. Walking is probably the second most common method of transportation, especially in the city center, and you will find that the vast majority of the city is easily walkable. For destinations that are further away, within or outside of Utrecht, there are plenty of buses available. It is possible to buy tickets on some buses, however, it is much more convenient to buy an OV-chipkaart at the train station or other places that sell them, which you can find online. These cards are used on all forms of public transportation throughout the Netherlands: buses, trains, trams and metros. All you need to do is top it up whenever it is running low and tap it on the designated terminals when entering and leaving public transport.

Make sure to download the 9292 app as well (the website is 9292ov.nl). This app allows you to input your departing destination and where you want to go, and it will show you the different transportation options you can use to get there. It will show you the departure time, travel time, and time of arrival, as well as how much the trip will cost and the platform or bus stop you need to go to. It is important to keep in mind that although the app generally informs you when a certain trip has been canceled, this isn’t always the case and sometimes times may differ a bit if there is construction or an event nearby.

It can be a little overwhelming at first, but you will find that getting around Utrecht is incredibly convenient, and soon you will be traveling around Utrecht and the whole of the Netherlands with ease.